Halt and Catch Fire Renewed for Season 2 by AMC

AMC has announced that tech drama Halt and Catch Fire has been renewed for a second season, which is set to premiere sometime next summer.

“This is a show about invention, experimentation, and the inherent risks in trying to break new ground – themes that really resonate with us as a network and attracted a passionate audience,” said Charlie Collier, AMC president. “We have a history of demonstrating patience through the early seasons of new shows, betting on talent and building audience over time. We see that opportunity here and look forward to a second season of Halt and Catch Fire from creators Chris Cantwell and Chris Rogers, and showrunner Jonathan Lisco.”

Created by Christopher Cantwell (Vicariously) and newcomer Christopher C. Rogers, Halt and Catch Fire tells the story of the personal computer revolution that took place in the early 1980s. Set in the Silicon Prairie of Texas, the series focuses on Joe MacMillan (Lee Pace), a key player in the creation of the IBM personal computer, as he attempts to make a name for himself in the world of technology. In addition to Pace, Halt and Catch Fire stars Scoot McNairy (Argo), Mackenzie Davis (That Awkward Moment), Kerry Bishe (Scrubs), and Toby Huss (The Adventures of Pete & Pete).

Over the course of its 10-episode season, Halt and Catch Fire lost over half of its Live + Same Day audience, making its renewal a bit of a surprise. It seemed that, with the success of Turn and the lack of buzz surrounding Halt for much of its season, AMC would move on from the show, but with the positive critical attention Halt and Catch Fire gained toward the end of the season and strong DVR viewing, the show managed to earn itself a renewal.

Since the show was on an island for most of the season, it might be in AMC’s best interest to pair it with something like Mad Men and shift Turn to Saturdays to go along with fellow historical drama Hell on Wheels. However, it seems more likely that Turn will stay with Mad Men and that Halt and Catch Fire will get paired with a new show come summer 2015.

Are you surprised that Halt and Catch Fire was renewed? What would you like to see from season two? How far into the tech revolution should the show go?